Eileen Gu goes from Olympic gold to Milan Fashion Week, turning medal buzz into runway power

Eileen Gu is not slowing down after the 2026 Winter Olympics. Just days after winning two silver medals and one gold at the Milan-Cortina Games, the freestyle skiing star confirmed she is staying in Milan but not for training. Instead, the 22-year-old is stepping back into the fashion world for Milan Fashion Week. Speaking to AFP, Gu said, “It’s Fashion Week in Milan. I have the other job, the other fashion thing.”

The Stanford University student explained that fashion has always been part of her life. “I’m really excited to just explore some other avenues, be creative, and explore my femininity through fashion, which is something I’ve always loved,” she said. She added that skiing and fashion “co-exist so beautifully,” and she hopes to show that balance during her time in Milan.

Eileen Gu balances Olympic medals, fashion career, and response to criticism over representing China

Eileen Gu has become one of the most recognized faces in winter sports. She is the most decorated female Olympic freestyle skier. Along with her medals, she has built a strong presence in fashion.

She is signed with IMG Models and has appeared on the covers of Chinese editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan and GQ. She has also worked with brands such as Fendi, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton. In 2022, she attended the Met Gala, and in 2023 she walked at Paris Fashion Week.

According to Forbes, Gu earned about $23 million last year through endorsements and partnerships. That level of success has also brought criticism, especially in the United States, after she chose to compete for China instead of Team USA.

During the Olympics, she admitted the pressure has been heavy. Speaking to USA Today, she said, “I do,” when asked if she feels like “a bit of a punching bag for a certain strand of American politics.” She added, “So many athletes compete for a different country. People only have a problem with me doing it because they kind of lump China into this monolithic entity, and they just hate China.”

Gu has said money was not the reason behind her decision. In an interview with TIME Magazine, she explained, “The US already has the representation. I like building my own pond.” She said she wanted to inspire more young athletes in China, especially girls, to take up freestyle skiing.

For now, Gu is switching from snow to runway lights. Her Olympic chapter may have closed for the season, but another stage is already waiting.





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